I Thought I Wouldn’t Stress Over Post-Pandemic Swimsuit Season … I Was Wrong

“Mom, can we go to the water park for my birthday now that Covid is better?”

I had anticipated the question, as my daughter had been asking weekly for a year. However, I was taken aback by how quickly I began to think about how much weight I could shed by then. Over the past year, I believed I had made peace with my body, or at least that’s what I thought. Yet, the moment I faced the prospect of fitting my post-pandemic body into a pre-pandemic swimsuit, anxiety set in. The summer of 2020 felt like a blur. My daughters and I spent time outside, hiking, and gardening, and I distinctly remember the relief of not having to put on a bathing suit. Ah, the comfort of full-coverage clothing!

Throughout the past year, my focus was on simply getting through each day. I’m not sure about you, but for the first time in many years, I lacked the energy to critique myself for indulging in a cupcake or opting for cereal for dinner. Honestly, squeezing in a jog before work felt trivial. We didn’t just have a winter to get our “summer bodies” in shape; we had over a year. And guess what? I didn’t do a single thing to change my body in preparation for warmer weather. My priority was straightforward—keeping my kids healthy and surviving each workday without losing my mind. That was what truly mattered.

While rummaging through my summer clothes for the bathing suits that had long been buried, I reminded myself that I’m the type of person who holds onto clothing that is too small, convinced I’ll fit into them one day. Yes, even the red string bikini from Victoria’s Secret that I bought back in 2008 and never wore.

Along with that relic, I unearthed another bikini, two one-piece swimsuits, and a tankini with a skirted bottom. A wave of anxiety, embarrassment, and shame washed over me. This wasn’t how I envisioned feeling. I thought keeping these swimsuits would motivate me, but instead, all I could do was cry. They reminded me of a time when I was smaller—a time when I didn’t take care of my body. For a split second, I questioned if things were really that bad back then. After all, they say pain is beauty, right? Wrong. Just because we’ve always been told that doesn’t make it true.

After a brief moment of despair, I decided not to punish myself further by trying on swimsuits I knew wouldn’t fit. Sure, I could have squeezed into them, but what would that achieve? Choosing to prioritize my mental health and being gentle with my body still feels foreign at times, but it’s a significant part of my journey toward self-acceptance.

After tossing those swimsuits into a donation bag, I hopped onto Target’s website to look for a replacement. This time, the focus was on buying something that fit my current self. How would it feel to wear? Would I be able to enjoy myself in it? Would I be fixated on covering up the parts of me that have softened and expanded over the past year? Or could I finally be present and focus on creating beautiful memories with my daughters?

Answering these questions before worrying about others’ opinions helped guide my decision. It seems I’ve come further in my journey of body acceptance than my initial reaction suggested.

So why am I sharing this? Summer is here, and for the first time since 2019, we have the opportunity to enjoy it—especially as things return to normal. But let me emphasize this: just because life is getting back on track doesn’t mean we need to carry forward anxiety, embarrassment, and shame.

If this past year has taught us anything, it’s that life is fleeting and shouldn’t be taken for granted. Don’t put off quality time with loved ones until you shed those last 10, 25, or 100 pounds. Focus less on how a swimsuit looks and more on how it makes you feel. Will I lose weight before my daughter’s 9th birthday? Maybe, maybe not.

But you know what I will do? I’ll wear that strapless top and high-waisted bottoms because I want a fabulous tan. I’ll choose the suit I love for its colors, not to guilt myself into fitting into it.

I may not be as prepared as I once hoped for this post-pandemic swimsuit season, but one thing is clear: I’m ready to enjoy my summer, and I want you to feel the same.

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In summary, as we transition back to normalcy, let’s embrace our bodies, focus on how we feel, and make the most of our time with loved ones this summer.

Keyphrase: Post-pandemic swimsuit season
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